The battle to be K-pop’s next big boy group after BTS is officially on

The race to claim the title of K-pop's next dominant boy group is intensifying, with several groups making waves in recent years. Despite BTS's ongoing reign, Stray Kids, Seventeen, Ateez, Riize and Cortis are gaining momentum with blockbuster album sales, chart-topping performances and sold-out worldwide tours. Stray Kids, from JYP Entertainment, is emerging as the strongest contender, having placed second on the IFPI's global artist chart and selling 3.49 million copies of its album "Karma."

The group's mini album "This & That" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for nine consecutive weeks, while its tour generated the highest revenue for any K-pop act. Seventeen, under Pledis Entertainment, has sold 2.63 million copies of its fifth studio album, making it the third-best-selling globally in 2025. The group's large lineup and in-house production system have sustained its success, even as mandatory military service limits its activities.

Ateez, signed to KQ Entertainment, gained global recognition with performances at Coachella and a spot on the Billboard 200, while its live performances have boosted album sales and US chart entries. Riize, a younger group, has quickly built a strong fanbase in Asia and North America, with their second EP topping 1.29 million sales and winning over domestic audiences before expanding internationally.

Cortis, fresh from its debut in 2025, has already been nominated for two MTV VMAs and released a successful second EP and debut album. Despite BTS's unrivaled global presence, the newer groups show promise and potential, but it remains uncertain if they can replace the trailblazing K-pop group.